It was his first day on the job and Ben Cherington already has won over the hearts of Red Sox Nation. How, you may ask? It was not by his smooth talking during the press conference. It was not by fielding difficult questions. No, no, Ben Cherington could have come out and been verbally assaulted by the harsh Boston media. Instead, instantly he managed to get one phrase trending in the Boston area on Twitter..."Tommy John Surgery."
Ben Cherington took care of a major concern this off-season for Red Sox fans by telling everyone that the much despised John Lackey will miss all of the 2012 season after opting to have Tommy John surgery. Though it does not get Lackey out of Boston, like most fans want, it does get him out of our minds for a year.
Let's face it, if Lackey were healthy he would have been dealt. If we could not deal him, he would have to have been released and ownership swallow a $45million pill. Now, they will pretty much have to do the latter. There is no way they can rehabilitate this man in Boston. Listening to either sports radio station, there is no buzz about keeping Lackey. There are no articles bein written regarding the perks of trying to rehabilitate the man in this market.
Cherington also seems to have a bead on who he wants to interview for the new managerial position. Knowing that he (Cherington) has over 14 years in Major League Baseball is comforting. He came up the hard way, as a scout, conducting player development and analysis, finally moving into front office. He was a large proponent in the signing of Adrian Beltre, a man who far exceeded expectations while in Boston. I'm still sorry that he is not still here in Boston.
What I see with Cherington is a General Manager with a good head on his shoulders. His obvious passion and knowledge for the game is evident in just listening to him talk. While the Cubs fans are busy ushering in their "savior" in Theo Epstein - I think Red Sox fans will find that we have made out just fine in the deal.
Good stuff, Chris.
ReplyDeleteI was under the belief that MLB teams were NOT able to waive players who are on the DL. I think the players union would have a HUGE problem with releasing Lackey now. I think the surgery virtually assures that you will see Lackey pitch for the Sox in spring training 2013.
Quick point - Granted, we all hate Lackey. But what if the Sox and Lackey knew he needed surgery about half way through the year and they asked him to tough it out due to lack of rotation depth. Does that make him any different than Youkilis struggling to be productive while fighting an injury? I realize he had a terrible year, and his contract is way above what he deserves (Sox overpaying him is their fault not Lackeys) but maybe he's the subject of just a little too much scorn from Sox fans?? Just a thought.
Good call, Pat. I actually did not mean to imply we will waive him while on the DL.
ReplyDeleteIF the point about Lackey pitching for the depleted staff is true, I will have a bit more respect for him and his toughness. Having said that, I still find him intolerable to watch.
I agree, he's difficult to watch. I do find it likely though, if not probable, that he'll be back with the Red Sox in 2013. Can't trade him while hurt without Commish approval and it makes more sense to wait and see if he's regained something after surgery before trying to trade him. I see a slight bounce-back year in 2013 and then a trade out of town regardless of how well the team does. In the meantime, they will put him on the Jacoby Ellsbury plan from last year. I.E, go work out in Arizona or somewhere far away and stay out of the clubhouse.
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